Rick Berg on Free Trade

Applauds free trade with South Korea, Panama and Colombia

Congressman Rick Berg today applauded the House passage of long-awaited free trade agreements with South Korea, Panama and Colombia. "We've been waiting for these trade agreements for a long time, and every day that goes by without them is a missed
opportunity," Berg stated. "In a time when our economy is struggling, these trade agreements mean more opportunities for American businesses. They mean more American exports. And most importantly, these agreements mean more American jobs."

Berg also
stressed the direct economic impact on North Dakota: "We've already seen the benefits of trade in North Dakota. Our exports have more than doubled in the past five years because of a renewed commitment to free trade. These trade agreements before us
today could increase exports by at least $23 million in North Dakota alone and $13 billion nationwide. If we're serious about creating jobs and staying competitive in a fast-moving global market, passing these agreements is a critical first step."